Jon Dahl Tomasson admits Rovers are light in numbers in defence following Harry Pickering’s red card against Hull City.

Pickering was shown a straight red card by referee Oliver Langford after he was judged to have brought down Liam Delap on the edge of the box as the Manchester City loanee raced toward goal.

With Jake Batty also out with a minor injury, Callum Brittain slotted in at left-back against the Tigers as Rovers’ unbeaten start came to an end following Aaron Connolly’s late double.

Sam Barnes is also facing another spell out of action. The young centre-back returned to the pitch during pre-season after missing the best part of a year with an ACL injury.

Pickering will now serve a one-match suspension, which will keep him out of Sunday’s clash with Watford at Vicarage Road.

“Of course, we are disappointed to lose a senior player with Harry’s red card,” said Tomasson. “It is a position where we are not well-covered.

“We have young Batty, who is injured. He has just turned 18. Everyone knows we lost experience this summer.”

Tomasson remains hopeful the club can get further signings over the line before the transfer window slams shut.

When asked if the club was any closer in terms of potential incomings, the boss replied: “I don’t know. It is an unclear situation at the moment and a big challenge.

“Hopefully, it is a new situation and the club will manage that. But I must give a big compliment to all my players and to our fans because everybody stood together and it was great to see.

“I am so disappointed that we didn’t get over the line, and so are the players in the dressing room, because we wanted to give something back to the fans.”

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